I made myself one, I used a 552 chronometer inside. Works fine, easy to gather parts. glows like a xmas tree in the dark. I also a real 166.024 but eventually I almost prefer the "franken" one. it'as a classy mint tool watch I wear very often. Silicon bracelet also works very welleon them. Evene cheap ones.
it's a bit like getting back to the 60's an buying a new watch

 

Nice build! I think you mean you used a 552 caliber inside. 552 was not available in chronometer grade.

 

Hi, sorry I made a mistake, I used a 561. the problem often seen on these movement is that the date disc is rounded. As the dial of the SM 300 is flat, the disc should be flat too even if it's not very conspicuous.
I could got one flat, black print on white background so I'm going to change it. It seems that the original one had a white date disc.

 

The advertisements show black on white but I like the look of white on black. Either way I would try to source a flat date disc.

 

not sure

 

And doesn't have a date...

 

Flat version is 72205601580N

 

Ok, so can someone shed light on when should it have a black on white date disk and when should it have a white on black. Esthetically, I prefer the white on black....

 

yup!...that sounds about right, but with my luck it'll be the opposite....black when you prefer white and white when you prefer black...

 

I love this, would love a seamster 300 as a daily beater

 

Perfect blend of modern convenience and classic tool watch styling!

 

While I know my opinion won't change anything, I really don't like the term "beater". None of us are actually beating on any of our watches, nor would we with a Seamaster 300, new or old. I wear mine daily but I try really hard to take care of it.

Now, mind you, there are watches you wear when you're concerned about the environment. A Vostok Amphibian comes to mind. Or a Marathon or other military watch. Even then you're not using your watch to drive nails into boards, are we?

I try to take care of all of my tools, even the inexpensive ones.

Tom

 

I agree with Vet above, not fond of the word "beater" I take care of every watch I own too ...

Yours looks great. The band ... not so much. After all the work a nicer looking band is justified IMO
Enjoy the watch!

 

I change the strap for a rubber one. I also often put a vintage tropic on it.
For the date I'm going to try a white one and will show you.

cheers

 

yep the 552 is on the non date version, issued in 1963. Got one too

 

Lovely watch. I have a similar non-date and, after trying many straps and a bracelet, eventually decided that a black sharkskin suits it best. It just looks great and seems most appropriate for a diver.